Cristiano Ronaldo in Press Conference with Real Madrid (8 March 2010)

Cristiano Ronaldo having a press conference, yesterday 8 March 2010. Here at Footballfantalk.com you can read the full translation :

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Thursday he is confident that Real Madrid will beat arch-rivals Barcelona this weekend even though his side is not currently a “great team”.

“We are good but we are not great,” he said ahead of Saturday’s “El Classico” at home against Barcelona, the reigning European and Spanish champions.

“We know how well they play and how difficult they are to beat, but we also have our artillery. We have a good chance of winning as long as we stay focused. I am sure we will play well,” the Portuguese winger added.

“That said, I wouldn’t mind losing on Saturday as long as we win the league. What difference is there if we beat Barcelona and then lose the next two matches?”.

Real are on top of the standings on goal difference from Barcelona with eight games remaining.

Fans are eagerly awaiting Saturday’s match to see which of the two most recent winners of the prestigious Ballon D’Or award — Messi in 2009 and Ronaldo in 2008 — will perform better.

“I am taller and wider than Messi,” Ronaldo joked when asked who will be the better player.

“He is having a great season and will now and forever be among the best players ever. But the coach and entire team also deserve credit. Messi does not play alone. He has great players by his side.

“I am working very hard, I am happy and I hope to continue feeling good. I will also be one of the best players around while I play here.”

Messi is the top scorer in the Spanish league with 26 goals while 25-year-old Ronaldo is La Liga’s fourth most prolific scorer with 18 goals.

“I will try to score, assist and help my team in every way possible to beat Barcelona”

During today’s press conference, Cristiano Ronaldo said all bets are off when Real Madrid host Barcelona on Saturday.

“This may be the most important match of the season. Whoever wins will hold a slight advantage in the race for the league title, but there are still many matches to be played and we need to try to win all of them.”

“I respect Barcelona but I do not fear them. They have a very complete team”

“I will do my very best, like I do every weekend. I will try to score, assist and help my team in every way possible to beat Barcelona.”

“I am not worried about a thing. I just want to do my best and make a difference.”

“I think it will be a very even match that will be decided by small details. May the best team win. But I hope Real Madrid is the better team.

I am sure we will come away with the win.”

“I expect a great atmosphere at the stadium. We feel much more confident when we have the support of our fans. I am sure they will be very excited and that they will help us a lot. ”

“The team is excited about the match and we are very confident. We believe in this match because it may just decide the winner of La Liga. We have very high aspirations.”